News

Yates moves into white jersey and second overall despite stage seven mishap at the Tour de France

Fri 8 Jul 2016

Adam Yates has moved into the lead of the best young rider classification after the ORICA-BikeExchange rider attacked from the group of favourites on the final descent of stage seven of the Tour de France today, before his progress was impeded by a falling banner one kilometre from the line.

Tenacious riding by 23-year old Yates on the descent of the Col d’Aspin means he not only takes the white jersey but also moves into second on the general classification ahead of tomorrow’s stage eight.

Yates suffered the misfortune when the inflatable Flamme Rouge banner – which marks the one kilometre to go point – deflated and fell on the ORICA-BikeExchange rider as he passed underneath.

The Briton sustained some heavy bruising and needed four stitches in his chin but thankfully will be ok to continue the race.

“I attacked on the descent of the Col d’Aspin and started to take some risks to try and gain some time,” said Yates after the stage. “I didn’t see what actually happened, but clearly the banner fell into me as I was approaching the finish.”

“Obviously I’m disappointed because I was feeling good and things like that are not really supposed to happen. I have a few new cuts on my chin for the collection but otherwise I’m ok."